Gemotions

The afternoon light filtered weakly through the blinds, casting long, dusty shadows across Emily’s desk. It was a light that made her feel even more sluggish. She was not sleeping well. The information had settled in her mind like a stone. The intern, who was barely out of school, was earning more than her.

She rubbed her temples, trying to massage away the growing ache. The sounds of the office seemed to be a thousand tiny needles poking at her ears. A deep breath.

"Hey, Em! Got that presentation ready for the big meeting?" The voice, cheerful and vibrant, belonged to the intern, Chloe. Emily forced a nod, the words, a dull echo in her own head.